Municipality’s construction permit system simplified

KABUL (Pajhwok): The World Bank has helped the Kabul Municipality develop a more efficient construction permit system that has significantly cut red tape and processing times, boosting private investment in the city’s construction sector.

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the initiativeis designed to spur much-needed construction in the capital. it has helped modernise the permit system, providing new software and training for staff.

As a result of assistance from IFC, a World Bank Group member, Kabul also opened a one-stop shop where prospective builders can go to obtain construction permits.

The project’s progress was marked at a ceremony attended by Kabul’s acting mayor and other officials earlier this month, according to a statement from the World Bank country office here.

Abdullah Jan Habibzai, acting mayor, was quoted as saying:“We are committed to creating the right enabling environment for the construction permit process and implementing the city’s development plans…”

Presidential advisor Mohammad H. Qayoumisaid: “About 80 percent of economic activities are carried out in cities and construction is a major part of the economy. Simplifying the construction permit process will encourage investments in the sector.”

NadeemSiddiqui, IFC country manager for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said:“Our goals with this project were to improve the investment climate and contribute to sustainable development in Afghanistan.”

The project was part of IFC’s Advisory Services programme in Afghanistan, which is focused on improving access to finance, especially for smaller businesses, supporting agribusinessand enhancing the investment climate. That is part of a larger effort to support the development of the private sector and spur job creation.